Recall 18V487 affects 9,093 2018-2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 trucks for an incorrectly installed steering shaft. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 9,093 2018-2019 Business Class M2 trucks because an incorrectly installed steering shaft assembly can disconnect the steering wheel from the front wheels. That loss of connection can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk; Freightliner dealers will inspect and repair the steering shaft assembly free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering shaft assembly on 2018-2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 trucks is the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the steering gear at the front axle. When you turn the wheel, the shaft transfers that movement so the front wheels turn in the same direction. That connection has to stay tight and correctly aligned for the truck to respond to steering input.
On affected trucks, the steering shaft assembly was installed incorrectly at the Santiago plant. An incorrect installation can leave the shaft connection unable to hold the steering wheel and front wheels tied together. If that connection separates, the driver loses the direct steering link needed to control the front wheels.
There is no warning sign before failure. The truck can steer normally until the connection is lost, so an owner should not rely on noise, looseness, or a dashboard warning to identify this defect.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2018 and 2019 model years with the same steering system component.
| 2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Freightliner Business Class M2 | steering system |
| Units affected | 9,093 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of connection between the steering wheel and front wheels can cause loss of control and increase crash risk. Because this involves the steering connection itself, schedule the inspection and repair promptly and avoid unnecessary trips until it is checked. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free steering assembly inspection and repair that checks the incorrectly installed steering shaft.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V487 when you call.
- Limit driving until the inspection is complete, since the steering wheel can lose connection with the front wheels.
- Call Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about recall FL-781.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician inspects the steering shaft assembly installation to confirm the steering wheel stays properly connected to the front wheels. If the installation is incorrect, the technician repairs the assembly as needed. The inspection and any related repair are free under the recall, with parts and labor covered by Freightliner. The service desk can use the VIN to confirm the truck is included before work begins.
Timeline
| July 20, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 13, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 17, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 17, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 17, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V487?
Recall 18V487 covers 9,093 2018-2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 trucks with a steering shaft assembly that was installed incorrectly. The defect can break the connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, causing loss of control and increasing crash risk. Freightliner dealers inspect the steering assembly and repair it for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Freightliner Business Class M2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V487. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the steering assembly inspection and needed repair. Reference recall number 18V487 or Freightliner's FL-781 number when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Freightliner dealers inspect the steering assembly installation and repair it as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. If the steering shaft assembly loses its connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. Check your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair if your truck is included.
When did the Freightliner steering recall repair start?
The recall repair began August 9, 2018. Freightliner notified owners, and franchised dealers inspect the steering assembly installation and repair it as needed. Owners can also call Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 and reference recall FL-781.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V487000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V487 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V487000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →